The Sugar Plum Goat Can Fly.....!

For those of you keeping up on the upcoming

FESTIVAL of the SEASON

that I am coordinating 

and of course

THE SUGAR PLUM GOAT
the wings are done!
Yay!

Now, on to the dress!

THE CAPRA BLANKET THAT WAS: A YEAR of MAGICAL WONDER

The Capra Blanket That Was:  A Year of Magical Wonder

by:  Mimi Foxmorton

Once upon a time, in a wee house, in a tiny kingdom, there lived a Girl.

It wasn't a large and grand house and the kingdom was quite small.

The Girl lived there with her faithful Dog and her snuggly Cat.

And all was quite peaceful.

And the Three were very happy.

One day, quite out of the violet sky, the Girl decided that Three would no longer quite do.

"We need a goat." the Girl said aloud one day to the faithful Dog and the snuggly Cat.

But the Dog and Cat just smiled and went back to napping and dreaming.

They had no idea exactly what a goat was but always trusted the Girl to work these thing out.

"Hmm." thought the Girl.  "But where to get a goat?"

The Villagers laughed.

"There she goes again." they said.  

"You can never get a goat!"

"We shall see." said the Girl.

And so, one day, on the Magical Wish of a friend who said,

"I wish for you a goat."

the Universe took heed and granted the Girl a boon, for that very day the Girl was

 sent to a Farmer who had goats!

Sometimes, if you have Faith, it's just that simple.

The goats were fun to play with, to be sure, but still, something was missing.

"I should like my own goat, please." said the Girl.

And again the Universe took heed and granted the Girl a boon.

One day the Farmer said,

 "There is a Magical Goat growing inside of another goat!  When it comes out it can be yours!"

(Ok.  Well, maybe the Farmer didn't say exactly that....but that's what the Girl heard.)

And so the Girl rushed home to wait.

And while she was waiting she thought.

"This Goat will need a blanket.  A very special and magical blanket.

A blanket worthy of a wondrous gypsy dancing Capra in the Yule moonlight!"

And so the Girl had Faith and petitioned kingdoms far and near for scraps of Fabric of Intent

 with which to make the blanket.

And the Universe took heed and granted the Girl a boon.

All at once, quite out of the violet sky, the Fabric of Intent began to arrive!

Big scraps, tiny scraps, shiny buttons and elegant tassels!

Fabric from Thither and fabric from Yon!

And lo' and behold, quite out of naught it seemed, the Sisterhood of the Goat was born!

And so was the Magical Goat.

And the Dog and the Cat smiled.

The Girl rushed to sew the scraps together and each time she joined a piece to another her fingertips tingled and she could feel the magic sent to her.

And so, in that way, the blanket was completed.

The day came for the Yule Ceremony in which the Magical Goat would wear the fine creation.

Some saw only a blanket on a goat but, there were Others, others who saw the Magic and you could tell by the sparkle in their eyes.

The moment came for the Lighting of the Tree Ceremony and the revelers went hand

 in hand to gather 'round the darkened Yule tree. 

 On cue, the chorus began to sing very softly the tune Silent Night.

"How could this be any better?" thought the Girl in wonder.

And the Universe took heed and granted the girl a boon.

And as the chorus sang, the Magical Goat did, too!

And it sounded like this:

Si-lent Night......

Maa-maa-maa......

Holy Night......

Maa-maaaa.....

All is calm.....

Maaaaaa.......

All is bright.........

Maa-maaa.........

And on to the finish of the song.  Ne'er missing a line.

As the song came to a close, Old St. Nick threw the switch and the tree blazed in all its magical glory!

The Villagers were amazed.

The music director said it was-Call & Response. 

The chorus couldn't believe that a goat just sang with them!

But the Girl did.

And she silently thanked the Universe.

"What's next?" the Villagers inquired.

And the Girl replied:

"A Magical Cow."

And the faithful Dog and the snuggly Cat smiled.

c. 2011 Mimi Foxmorton

**********************

The story you have just read is all true.  

The details are all within this blog.

Darla really did sing, exactly that way.

For reasons of her own I would imagine.

Call & Response is of tribal origination.  It's probably in her DNA.

Each line I kept holding my breath thinking it

was mere coincidence but she continued to the end,

standing with the teens in the choir and belting out

her Maa's like she'd done it a million times before. 

I cried. 

My favorite quote:  (from a teen choir member)  "A goat just sang with us!  That is the coolest thing that's ever happened!"

My sincere thanks to not only the Sisterhood of the Goat, who have given me such love, friendship and support unconditionally throughout the past year but to each and everyone of you who shared a scrap of fabric to make the Capra Blanket happen.  On January 1, 2011 when I began this blog it was with just a dream.  And here we are, 11 months later with so many friendships sewn together....much like the Capra blanket.

The Universe took heed.....and seemingly, out of the violet sky,  granted us a boon.

xoxoxo

~Mimi

And-

It is my intention to pack up the Capra Blanket with a journal and send her off into the world!

The Sisterhood will grow stronger as each adds to the journal and shares photos and stories.

It is my hope that the Capra Blanket will go on to have many tales to share with us and use her Magic as was intended....to bring Unity to our wee kingdom.

The original Sisters begin the list and it will go on from there.

If you would like to be on the list please private message me at
foxgoddess44 at yahoo  (I didn't put a link because of robots but you know what to do)

Again, my sincere gratitude to all who made the Capra Blanket happen.
Bright Blessings to you this Yuletide.  May your traditions be honored and respected
as your heart desires.  xox   ~M.

My favorite of the capra photos!

On the red carpet with the paparazzi!

Oh, my Darla.  Oh, my Darla.  Oh, my Darla clementine!

My friend who wished for me a goat.

That smile is the reson I do this.

Magic comes in all forms.

PEEK-A-BOO! WE SEE YOU!

Miss Darla can't get to Maa fast enough

Hmm.  That window is very high up.

Hello out there!

 

It's Meggie Super Goat!  (Who thinks she can fly!  Bad goat!)

 

 

"What's all the racket?"  moos Red, Lizzie's Mom.

 

Ahhh, catching up!

The Summer Dust has certainly settled upon my blog.  Not necessarily a bad thing.

http://collagepirate.blogspot.com/2011/07/summer-dust.html
Though I have to say, since Darla and the Borrowed Farm I can't remember a time when I've been so busy.

Miss Lizzie, my new Miracle Calf (miracle as in Mom is red and so is the bull-I rather like to think the faeries painted her before I found her as I'd been asking for a black and white for weeks and Farmer said:  Fat Chance.  Last Laugh, eh?) is two-plus weeks now and coming along nicely.

Being bottle fed and bonding with her Mom several times a day is turning her into a most social creature.
Alas, no onesies or diapers for Lizzie.  She's to be Naked Cow for sure.  But methinks perhaps a hat or two wouldn't hurt.  ;)

The last few days we have been turning her out and she's quite good about returning to her name.
She walks quite well on a lead and I'm looking forward to this weekend when she has her first job at our Community Festival!  Darla, Lizzie and Meggie (Meggie's first time out as well!) are to participate in our Interactive Farm Animal & Antique Exhibit.  We have Farm Education and a Paint What You See table in hopes of encouraging those that visit to take an up close and personal look at sustainable ag.

Also attending will be my very best animal sisters, Diana from Max Man Reptile Rescue and Kris from Kritter Kris' Wildlife Rescue.  Kris lives with Vinnie the Turkey Vulture who we are sure is my One True Love under an evil spell only to be broken in 100 years.  Vinnie's a trip to work with and will, at the Autum event we all work together, pick Tarot cards from my deck to tell your fortune. It's said that to have your card chosen by a Turkey Vulture is pure magic!

And Diane is wonderful as well!  Though I'll occasionally hold a lizard I draw the like at the Tarantula........
(sorry, luv!)  ;)

Darla thrives!  Oh, how she thrives.  She's turned into a wee human....spoiled but social as a butterfly!
I love her so much I sometimes can't stand it.  My only regret is that I can't have her home.  :(
She loves to ride in the car and is always the first one to greet new people.   She adores being groomed and flirts like mad when she puts on a new dress!

So....that appears to be that.  Summer wanes on this Lughnasada e'en, too hot this year perhaps but the sun and harvest are welcome.

Much love to all my wonderful Goat Sisters who keep me afloat in this crazy barn adventure I've embarked upon.  Would that one day we will all meet.

Fair Winds,
xox
Mimi

Lizzie gets a hay bath from her Mom

Vinnie, my enchanted Gypsy Prince

(Note the magical orb that follows him.  Coincidence?  I think not.)

Violca Mirola and Vinnie

Violca with lee-zard (and lovely goat hat!)

The Three Autumn Besties Together Again!

IT'S A GOAT'S LIFE

Hey-ho Everyone-

We are still hanging in there.
Here are the last of the pics from home leading up to the return last Saturday.

Love you all-
~Mimi

Everyone Should Have a Pair of Love-Monkey Pants!

And after I pack my basket we're going shopping in my new love-monkey pants!

I'm not moving my toe. Well, I'm not moving my toe either.
You don't have toes. MO-OOOOOOM!

Hey-ho Fellow Goaties!

We have been very remiss in our blogging these days.
I must admit that last weekend I left my laptop at work and went
"old fashioned" all weekend and will probably do it again for this!
There's something to be said for being Mimi: Unplugged.

I have been having such a wonderful time with Darla and my Forever Animals.
My house is so peaceful and calm. (believe it or not!)

Oh, there's the 10 pm ballet lessons through the living room furniture and the midnight tap & jazz class on the bare kitchen floor. And I've witnessed more than several goat races at 3am. But overall the experience has been positive, happy and (mostly) stress free.

My Forever Animals deserve a huge HUZZAH! for opening their home, space, hearts and love to a wayward goat-sister. I'm so proud of them. Their ability to share has been unbelievable. I love them so.

We almost went back to the barn last Saturday in the sunshine but today we have a -6 temp. That's probably my biggest stress factor: this bloody weather.

But, if I've learned anything it's that things, if not poked and manipulated, work out to their best advantage so I guess when the time to go back to the barn is right the Universe will give both Darla and I a nudge. Or a crocus. Or mayhap a tulip. Or something that isn't frozen solid.

It has made me feel so good to see her outgrowing her wee outfits at such an alarming rate. I had thought at one point she would not thrive. We are eating sweet grain now and have had no digestive issues. (ie: poop is perfect!)

And if we just happen to be doing it all in a snazzy pair of love-monkey pants well....hey....look who you're talking to! Personally I think the world would be a better place if everyone had a pair of love-monkey pants. Don't you?

What an experience, eh?

It's been easier with you all along for the Wild Ride! I mean that.

We promise to check in eventually but we saw a new onesie in the window we simply *must* have!

xox
~Mimi & Darla & Yellow Dog & Pooter

A Post- It Note from Darla

Woot! Woot! Naked tubby time! Weeeeeeee!

That big dog leave crumbs everywhere! *yum*

I saw this on page 51 of the new Spring line-up.


My New Barn. I think the cat is jealous. *hee-hee*

My Going Home coat. Out grew my warm pirate coat.

Maa very busy.
I'm still here.
I have a new barn.
My going home coat is done.
I thought I *was* home.
The dog leaves tasty crumbs.
Maa thinks sweet grain is better.
I think not.
Don't forget milk.
love-
~D.

WHUMP! (whump-whump-whump-whump..........wh-ump)

Ok, so some things are only really, really funny after the extreme terror has passed.

I have gone to great lengths to goat-proof the house so that Darla may feel free to roam at will when I am home. Admittedly she's inquisitive, mouths a great many things and runs a heck of a goat race but generally she's not much trouble and spends a great deal of the time ruminating upon the meaning of life (or whatever it is goats ruminate upon) at my feet.

One thing I paid particular attention to was the stairs. A blockade worthy of foiling a rum runner was set up and all was well for a few days. But then, as I told my friend the Admiral when he inquired as to her health: "Well, she's not dying anymore."

Her vibrancy and joy are so heartwarming and her propensity to find the Worst Place to Be is stellar! So, even though I thought I had adequately blocked the stairs, sheer panic struck as I heard from the laundry room: Whump. Whump. Whump-whump-whump-whump....................wh-ump.

I raced to the landing expecting the absolute worst. Sweet Jaysus, how was I going to tell Farmer I broke the goat? And there was Darla, fully upright and doing the Goat Dance of Embarrassment. I swear I heard her say: "Stairs." I rather imagine that right as she stepped off the top step her face had that look that Wyle E. Coyote gets when there is only air beneath his feet.

Well, like the wise blogging goat Millie said: "Kids bounce."
And thank the Universe for that. Not that I ever wanted to test the theory. Thankfully the stairs are carpeted and nothing bad came of it but I have noticed that she gives wide berth to the area. That's good, because it's only funny once.

Darla learns...Darla grows. And she told me to tell you to watch that last step...it's a doozy!

Tomorrow: What to do when there's a Vermont milking stool stuck on your goat's head.

I Might Have Lied....

Ummm, so uh, yeah.....I might have lied........though not intentionally.....

After much soul searching and spiritually consulting the Beaver, learning the temperature in the barn was barely 20 this afternoon alone and seeing a lake effects snow storm blow through and talking to Farmer........well, uh....so yeah, Darla is going to stay put for the time being.

I know. I know. But she's happy and healthy and on this beautiful, regular schedule and really thriving compared to a week ago and in the grand scheme of things who really knows how goat time is calculated so what's a few more days, really, and who said that 1 day had to be only 24 hours anyway-how are they the boss of time?

So, yeah.....I'm a worrier.

And a wuss.

And I don't care.

Life's short.....love a goat who needs you while you can........


And besides, who really wants to go against the Beaver......?

xoxoxo
~Mimi

ps. I'm like that really bad friend who borrows your best sweater and won't give it back.....
;)

DARLA'S DAY

Goat Cheesecake
(Maa says this is my groovy outfit!)

Big Brother and Little Sissy

ARRRRRRR!

My last day with Darla at home.
Very mixed emotions but choosing to celebrate with play!
:)

DARLA'S HOME

WHERE'S DARLA?

Hi all! Thanks for following me on this adventure! :)

I wanted to take a moment to address Pat's question about how will I ever return Miss Darla.

I'm actually anxious for her to return to the barn because living like this is not a great idea since she DOES have to return. If the barn were in my backyard and I could continue this it would be different but she lives on a farm...and all that that entails. I am, after all is said and done, only a goat borrower. And she is a goat.

This nasty weather afforded me an opportunity to learn so, so much and Farmer Lyle, who is a farmer for a living, has been most gracious to indulge a goat borrower like me. He's taken time from his chores to answer a million question and impart 50 plus years of goat wisdom.

Besides, this is only the very beginning for me and Darla!

I'm pretty sure this bonding experience seals the deal in our Maa-goat relationship.
A lucky accident as it were.

I will continue to feed her, care for her, visit her and love her. She'll be visiting pre-schools, nursing homes and events and all with her crazy storytelling Maa in costume. She'll wear the Capra Project blanket proudly and be a fine Yule goat.

And we'll both have a very magical and special relationship and many, many barn adventures to come!

And really, for a townhome dwelling goat lover, who could ask for anything more?

Love you all.......
I am so glad we've met........
xoxo
~Mimi

ps. If you don't know about the CAPRA AND THE MAGICAL GOAT BLANKET PROJECT you can find it here in this blog. It's going quite nicely and people have been so kind. I'd really like to say you are all a piece of this project if you care to send a scrap of fabric.
:)

My Life Gets Bigger

That's my butt in my new underpants!

My new IPeed shirt. Maa says I have "serious muffin top"

My new family with Big Brother

My new outfit

Hi Everyone,

It's me again, Darla Rose Caprine.
Today I found out I have even *more* family!
My Big Big Sissy and my nice Heidi (I'm an Aunt, *giggle*)
came to visit and brought me presents! Presents are wicked cool especially when they're pink!
Everyone was very nice but I was exhausted when they left and Maa said I passed out like a drunk in a gutter. Whatever that means.
Maa took some pics of me posing so you can see my new outfit.
I AM a big show off, aren't I?

Stay warm everyone!
love,
Darla
xoxox